PhD Position Solid Electrolytes for Low‑Pressure Next‑Gen Batteries

Do you want to be part of the energy transition and help develop next generation energy storage systems? Then this could be what you are looking for!

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral candidate with a strong passion for battery science and a drive to develop next-generation energy storage systems. This position is part of the 'No Pressure', OTP project funded by NWO that aims to address the pressure challenge hindering the large-scale commercialization of solid-state batteries, specifically focusing on the PCVD 100% silicon anodes of LeydenJar Technologies.

As a PhD researcher, you will work at the interface of fundamental science and applied technology. Your main focus will be the improvement and development of solid electrolytes to achieve better (electro)chemical stability with silicon anodes. In parallel, you will investigate strategies to reduce the stack pressure required for cycling using functional interlayers. You will use techniques such as EIS, solid-state NMR, FIB-SEM, and various electrochemical methods to characterize materials and evaluate interfacial stability. These insights will be key to understanding failure mechanisms and designing more robust, long-lasting battery systems.

We especially welcome candidates with experience in the synthesis and characterization of sulfur-based solid electrolytes for Li-ion batteries, and/or the use of silicon as an anode material. Given the combined fundamental and applied nature of the project, experience with both atomic scale material design as well as processing is considered an asset.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where fundamental research closely connects to industrial application. You will engage with leading experts in materials science, electrochemistry, and battery technology, and help shape the future of sustainable energy storage. If you are curious, eager to work with advanced experimental techniques, and motivated to make a tangible impact on the energy transition, we encourage you to apply.

The Storage of Electrochemical Energy group of the Radiation Science and Technology department focuses on fundamental processes in electroceramics and next-generation batteries using experimental probes such as neutron and X-ray scattering, as well as solid state NMR and computational approaches including density functional theory calculations. The direct access to these facilities and collaborative atmosphere represents a stimulating environment for research and development.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Affinity for energy storage, with an interest in materials development and electrochemical systems, is desirable
• Experience with the synthesis or processing of sulfide solid electrolytes or with silicon anodes is desirable
• You enjoy working in a team and bring excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• English proficiency is required

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty of Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional Information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Swapna Ganapathy (s.ganapathy@tudelft.nl) or Prof. dr. ir. Marnix Wagemaker (m.wagemaker@tudelft.nl).